Under no circumstances whatsoever will the Government accept an extension to the transition period with the EU. The Government was elected on a manifesto which made clear this would end on 31 December 2020. This date is now enshrined in primary legislation and it remains Government policy.

The Government believes there is ample time to strike a deal based on free trade and friendly cooperation. We are largely looking for an agreement like that which the EU has agreed with others. We are both familiar with each other’s systems and, with sufficient energy there is plenty of time to conclude a deal.

We want a relationship with the EU based on friendly cooperation between sovereign equals, and centred on free trade. We will have a relationship with our European friends inspired by our shared history and values.

So far the UK and EU have engaged in three full and constructive negotiating rounds, the last two having been conducted by videoconference. The fourth round of negotiations began on 2 June, also via videoconference.

An extension would prolong the negotiations, prolong business uncertainty and delay control of our borders.

It would also mean having to make further payments into the EU budget, instead of that money going to where we decide it is needed, for example to help our recovery from the coronavirus outbreak.

An extension to the transition period would bind us into future EU legislation, without us having any say in designing it, but still having to foot the bill.

The transition period will end on 31 December. By the end of this year, the UK will become a fully independent and sovereign country.

Cabinet Office